They weren’t letting those turkeys rain on their parade.
New Yorkers and eager tourists packed New York City sidewalks Thursday for the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — making short shrift of pro-Palestine protesters who tried to hijack it.
The time-honored Thanksgiving tradition kicked off on 77th and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. to the boisterous cheers of bundled-up spectators waiting to catch a glimpse of classic balloons like Snoopy and Pikachu — as well as six new floats, including a Wonka-inspired chocolate float.
A few hours into the parade, several pro-Palestine protesters wearing white jumpsuits covered in fake blood glued their hands down in the middle of 6th Avenue, prompting NYPD officers to divert the balloons and floats heading down to Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square.
But many in the crowds loudly booed to drown out the agitators’ chants — instead patiently waiting for the family fun to continue once they were unstuck and hauled away by cops.
College students Courtney King, 22, and Sydney Francis, 21, were among those who didn’t let the chaos put a damper on their parade.
The pair of friends flew in from Florida just to take in the festivities — and will be flying back to their families in Atlanta and Nashville in mere hours — hoping to land just in time to enjoy some turkey and stuffing.
The time-honored Thanksgiving tradition kicked off on 77th and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. James Keivom
The Rockets were seen marching in the parade. James Keivom
Cheerleaders participate in the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. REUTERS“I came just for the parade. I’ve seen it on television so many times, I wanted to see it live and cross it off my bucket list,” King excitedly told The Post.
Despite the extensive travels, chilly weather and an early wake-up call, her pal noted it was “all worth it.”
“Coming from Florida this would be a bit cold, but I feel like my spirits are high and it’s keeping me warm. The sun is out, it’s a beautiful day, exciting parade, and I’m loving it. I want to bring my family here the next time,” Francis said.
About 3.5 million people flocked to the streets to watch the parade every year. James Keivom
Sidewalks from 77th Street and Central Park West all the way down two and a half miles south to Macy’s at 34th Street-Herald Square were starting to fill up by 7:30 a.m. James Keivom
Charlie Brown and the Gang were seen at the Thanksgiving parade. James KeivomJessica Keener, 42, who grew up coming to the parade but now lives in Idaho, wanted her 4-year-old daughter to experience the festivities.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I would be here at 6 a.m. with my dad, my mom and my sisters,” she told The Post. “We got here at 5 a.m. to get a front-row seat.”
Her daughter, Bella, was bouncing with excitement to see the balloons — especially PAW Patrol.
“I got up at 4 a.m. I woke up by myself. I was tired this morning but I could not wait to be here,” the 4-year-old said smiling.
A giant Snoopy balloon flies through the streets of NYC during the parade. REUTERSChildren and adults alike cheered “Smokey, Smokey, Smokey,” as the famous bear balloon floated past. Others, bundled up in hats, scarfs and gloves, sipped on hot chocolates and coffees.
Fellow parade-goer Tommy Onolfo, 41, from Long Island, dressed up in a full Turkey suit for the parade, which he has attended for the past 10 years.
“This is my tenth year coming in a row. I love the balloons, the excitement, the hype. There’s no other Thanksgiving celebration like this,” Onolfo told The Post.
Santa Claus appears on the trading floor to celebrate the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. REUTERS“I go to the ball drop every year and I collect the confetti and throw it back at the performers here every year.”
Despite the early wake-up needed to secure a prime parade-viewing position, the crowd emitted high energy, with children being given handfuls of confetti to toss into the air — though many chose to toss their portions at a nearby cop.
For Allison Norton, from Salt Lake City, Utah, coming to see the parade was a surprise gift from her six children, two grandkids and four in-laws to celebrate her 50th birthday.
The 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 16 giant character balloons and over 50 floats and inflatables. REUTERS
New parade balloons include “Beagle Scout Snoopy,” “Blue Cat & Chugs,” “Kung Fu Panda’s Po,” “Leo,” “Monkey D. Luffy,” “Pillsbury Doughboy” and “Uncle Dan.” James Keivom“This is my dream parade,” Norton told The Post. “This is the perfect day. When we left it was snowing, it was a blizzard so this is a good day. It doesn’t get any better than this — my 50th, a nice parade, my whole family and new friends.”
Closing out the parade was Santa, who drew in a massive roar of applause from adults and children alike. Children along the parade route shouted out their Christmas wishes, telling the jolly old Saint Nick what they hoped to find under the tree next month.
While Brayden Brown, 7, from Long Island, was initially not a fan of waking up early to get to the city — the second grader said he loved the parade and balloons — and even shouted out his Christmas wish of Yeezy slides when Santa passed by.
The parade will also feature 12 marching bands, hundreds of clowns, and eight performance groups. James Keivom“Santa, I want the Yeezy slides for Christmas,” Brown yelled while waving, before turning to say, “I think he heard me. I believe I’m going to get them.”
This year’s parade, which typically draws in some 3.5 million spectators to Manhattan, featured 16 giant character balloons, 26 floats, 32 novelty and heritage inflatables, 12 marching bands, 700 clowns, and eight performance groups.
New parade balloons include “Beagle Scout Snoopy,” “Blue Cat & Chugs,” “Kung Fu Panda’s Po,” “Leo,” “Monkey D. Luffy,” “Pillsbury Doughboy” and “Uncle Dan.”
